Donald Trump tumbled from the good graces of guests at a fundraising dinner on Thursday night when he became the target of boos and jeers as he slated Hillary Clinton in a scathing speech.

The Republican candidate was first to speak at the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation dinner at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York and took to the microphone after an icy encounter with his opponent before dinner.

He started well and sent the room into roaring laughter with an unexpectedly self-deprecating sense of humor.

They turned on him when his jokes evolved to insults, accusing Clinton of 'hating Catholics' and 'corruption'.

The dinner, a staple fixture towards the end of recent presidential campaigns, is normally embraced by candidates as an opportunity to showcase self-deprecating humour and land lighthearted jabs at their opponent.

President Obama and Mitt Romney heaped praise on one another in 2012, commending one another for their roles as fathers and husbands.

Diners last night however booed for the first time in years as Trump missed the mark with his bruising put-downs.

Scroll down for video

Unpopular: Donald Trump was booed off the stage at the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner at New York's Waldorf Astoria Hotel on Thursday night

Don't hold back: The Republican candidate held nothing back as he sprayed insults towards his opponent in the second half of his speech

Confrontation: He addressed Clinton directly and looked her in the eye as he delivered his attack while the event's host, Alfred Smith IV sat between them

Out loud: Clinton was given a more merciful reception by the event. Cardinal Dolan looked on in delight as she delivered her speech

Donald and me: While Clinton won laughs with her own script of jokes, she too used the opportunity to land several blows on her opponent

Pointed: Trump's speech began with a series of well-delivered, self-deprecating jokes. When he turned his focus on his opponent, the atmosphere in the room however changed

Looking at you: Some of Trump's jokes prompted a laugh from his opponent. Clinton made no effort to hide her amusement at some

Good lord: Fellow diners such as former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg (seated front center, second right) looked uncomfortable with some of his chosen attacks. Some crossed their arms, looked away from Trump and even held their head in their hands as he accused Clinton of 'hating Catholics'

Close to the bone: The Republican candidate pushed through their hostility and accuse his opponent of 'corruption' as the race for the White House enters its final couple of weeks

Pleasantries: The dueling pair managed a smile while posing for official photographs with Cardinal Dolan ahead of the event

Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who was sat between the pair throughout, described his spot as the 'iciest place on the planet'.

FRED TRUMP'S ARREST PROTESTING AL SMITH

Fred Trump was arrested at a 1927 Ku Klux Klan organized to protest the Alfred E Smith's bid for president.

Smith was born to the children of Irish and Italian immigrants, working his way up from his humble beginnings to become one of the most successful and respected politicians in New York state history.

Smith, who was elected four time as the governor of New York, was raised Catholic. He became the first Catholic to run for president in 1928, a move that was met with much resistance.

In May 1927, the Klu Klux Klan organized a riot in Queens to protest the fact that Smith, who was governor at the time, might become president. Among those arrested at that rally was 21-year-old Fred Trump, Donald's father.

Trump began his speech calmly, taking to the microphone armed with a script of one-liners.

'A special hello to all of you in this room who have known and loved me for many many years.

'Some people think this would be tough for me, but the truth is I'm actually a modest person. Very modest. Many people tell me that modesty is perhaps my best quality, even better than my temperament,' he said.

He quipped that the dinner, with 1,000 guests, was of little significance to his campaign but would provide his opponent her 'biggest crowd of the season'. 'This is corny stuff,' he continued, glowing in his audience's amusement.

After he listened to Clinton 'rattle on and on and on' at the debate, Trump joked that he had a new appreciation for his old foe Rosie O'Donnell.

Trump said the dinner also gave him the opportunity 'to meet the people who are working so hard to get Clinton elected.'

'There they are. The heads of NBC, CNN, CBS, ABC, there's the New York Times right over there, and the Washington Post,' he said, pointing to each one. 'They're working overtime.'

One of the largest laughs came when the Republican candidate turned to his wife Melania, including the usually stern 46-year-old in his comedy.

The joke, his best received by far, made light of her plagiarism of Michelle Obama's speech from the 2008 Democratic Convention.

'The media has been so biased, more than ever,' he said. Gearing up for his punchline, he continued: 'This is going to get me in trouble.

'Michelle Obama made a speech and everyone loves it. It was fantastic.

No ceasefire: Trump watched on amused as Clinton delivered her speech. Cardinal Dolan appeared utterly enthralled by her choice words

Conciliatory: The pair did manage to shake hands, coming together at the end of the event to bid each other goodnight

Tough words: Both candidates were in high spirits after their speeches and shook the hands of others at the event side by side

Looking down: Trump's expression dropped moments later as his opponent continued to greet well-wishers. He watched her, straight-faced

'MAYBE HE WILL GRAB MY P****': ROSIE O'DONNELL SLAMS TRUMP AFTER HE JOKES HIS OPINION OF HER HAS IMPROVED IN THE WAKE OF CAMPAIGN

Rosie O'Donnell tweeted her contempt for Trump when he said his opinion of her had improved after listening to Clinton 'rattle on and on'

Comedian Rosie O'Donnell hit back at Trump last night after he mocked their long-running feud.

Trump quipped that after listening to Clinton 'rattle on and on' his opinion of the TV show host had improved.

He said: 'Last night, I called Hillary a 'nasty woman' - this stuff is all relative. After listening to Hillary rattle on and on, I don't think so badly of Rosie O'Donnell anymore. In fact, I'm actually starting to like Rosie a lot.'

Rosie reacted on Twitter and warned 'maybe he will grab my p****' in reference to the Republican's infamous remarks made about women.

The row between the pair goes back to at least 2006 when Trump said: 'She's a slob, she talks like a truck driver'.

'My wife, Melania, made the exact same speech. And people get on her case. I don't get it.' Speaking over the roaring laughter of other guests, he said: 'Stand up, Melania! It wasn't your fault.'

'She didn't know about that one,' he added, staring at his wife, before turning to Cardinal Timothy Dolan, next to him and saying, 'Cardinal, please speak to her,' as way of contrition.

Share this article

The atmosphere thickened when Trump delivered the first of several stinging insults towards Clinton, however.

'Here she is in public, pretending not to hate Catholics,' he said to the aghast gasps of the room, made up predominantly of Roman Catholics.

'Hillary is so corrupt she got kicked off the Watergate commission,' he continued to boos. 'How corrupt do you have to be to get kicked off the Watergate commission? Pretty corrupt.'

Proud: Trump's biggest laugh came when he poked fun at his wife Melania's accused plagiarism of Michelle Obama's 2008 DNC speech. He invited the 46-year-old to stand to receive the audience's applause (above)

Showman: At the start of his speech, Trump pointed to Democratic politicians sat behind him, joking that they had once loved him when he shared their views

Adoration: Melania Trump was in high spirits throughout the event which typically serves as lighthearted respite from the animosity of a presidential campaign

Together: Both candidates were tickled by host Alfred Smith IV who mocked them separately as he made his introductions

Well heeled: Smith (far left) joked about the candidates individually but gave Trump a harsher ride with mention of his alleged sexual impropriety

Laughter for a night: Clinton and Trump softened at Smith's jokes, one of which included Trump going into the 'ladies' dressing room'

Hostilities postponed: There were a few tender moments between the pair who exchanged jokes at the dinner table while dessert was served

Bashful: Clinton was sent into giggles by her opponent's joke. Trump leaned over Cardinal Dolan's chair to deliver his punchline

No Bill: Clinton was not joined by her husband at Thursday's event. Melania Trump sat beside her husband

Applause: Clinton watched on wistfully as Cardinal Dolan addressed the room. Trump towered over her one seat away

Eh?! Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani wore a pained expression as he left the event after being slated by Clinton

Walking off: Former US Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger, 93, was also among those present at the white tie event on Thursday evening

Writ large: Donald Trump with his wife Melania and his speech last night at the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation dinner in New York

He claims his speeches are made off the cuff but the truth is Donald Trump sometimes needs just as much preparation as any other person going for the most powerful job in the free world.

Trump revealed last night that he does plan his stage appearances when photographers caught him with his speech.

It was written on plain white A4 in a huge capped-up font leaving critics wondering whether he should just wear glasses.

The presidential candidate has claimed that he always goes up on stage without needing a teleprompter so he can speak candidly to supporters.

Clinton followed, landing her own sequence of blows against the Republican.

'Donald looks at the Statue of Liberty and sees a four. Maybe a five if she loses the torch and tablet and changes her hair,' she said in what has been praised in her most successful joke of the night.

She began her speech by congratulating the charity's organizers, who had raised more than $6million.

'This is such a special event that I took a break from my rigorous nap schedule to be here,' she began.

'Mortal enemies, bitter foes, I've gotta ask, how did you get the governor and the mayor here together?'

She injected her own self-deprecation, spinning off her widely criticized characterization of Trump supporters as 'deplorables' to name the evening's guest list 'a basket of adorables'.

Later, she poked holes in his relationship with Russia.

'Donald really is as healthy as a horse. You know, the one Vladimir Putin rides around.' She joked that he had sent her a 'hearse' as a gesture before tonight's event, so worried was he with her apparently ailing health.

She reserved no mercy for his supporters either and launched a targeted attack on former mayor Rudy Giuliani.

Remarking that he started his career by prosecuting tax dodgers 'like' Trump, she fumed: 'But as the saying goes: If you can't beat 'em, go up on Fox News and call him a genius.'

Giuliani seethed in his seat, making no attempt to hide his contempt for her.

So tense was the atmosphere between before dinner, host Alfred Smith IV used a sexual assault joke to break the ice.

EVERY JOKE FROM HILLARY CLINTON AND DONALD TRUMP'S SPEECHES AT THE AL SMITH MEMORIAL FOUNDATION DINNER

Donald Trump:

On his temperament:

'Some people think this would be tough for me, but the truth is I'm actually a modest person.Very modest. Many people tell me that modesty is perhaps my best quality, even better than my temperament.'

On his hands:

'You know Cardinal Dolan and I have some things in common. For instance, we both run impressive properties on Fifth Avenue. Of course his is much more impressive than mine. That’s because I built mine with my own beautifully formed hands.'

On his inherited wealth:

'I know that so many of you in the archdiocese already have a place in your heart for a guy who started out as a carpenter working for his father. I was a carpenter working for mine.'

On his huge crowds:

'It’s great to be here with a thousand wonderful people, or, as I call it, a small intimate dinner with some friends. Or as Hillary calls it, her largest crowd of the season.'

Laugh out loud: Trump was well-received at first and received an enthusiastic laughter from even the subject of his jokes

On 'nasty' Hillary and Rosie O'Donnell:

'Last night, I called Hillary a "nasty woman". This stuff is all relative. After listening to Hillary rattle on and on, I don't think so badly of Rosie O'Donnell anymore. In fact, I'm actually starting to like Rosie a lot.'

On sending Hillary to jail:

'We have proven that we can actually be civil to each other. In fact, just before taking the dias, Hillary accidentally bumped into me and she, very civilly, said: "Pardon me."

'And I, very politely, said: "Let me talk to you about that after I get into office."

On his wife:

'The media is even more biased this year than ever before — ever. You want the proof?

'Michelle Obama made a speech and everyone loves it, it's fantastic.

'My wife, Melania, gives the exact same speech. And people get on her case.

'And I don't get it. I don't know why. And it wasn't her fault.'

On his relationship with Hillary:

'But the candidates have some light-hearted moments together, which is true. I have no doubt that Hillary is going to laugh quite a bit tonight, sometimes even at appropriate moments.'

'[Hillary] said if somehow she gets elected she wants me to be, without question, either her ambassador to Iraq or to Afghanistan. It’s my choice.'

'This is the first time ever, ever, that Hillary is sitting down and speaking to major corporate leaders and not getting paid for it.'

On the media:

'I know Hillary met my campaign manager, and I got the chance to meet the people who are working so hard to get her elected. There they are — the heads of NBC, CNN, ABC — there’s the New York Times, right over there, and the Washington Post.'

On Hillary's email scandal:

'I’d like to address an important religious matter: the issue of going to confession. Or, as Hillary calls it, the Fourth of July weekend with FBI Director Comey.'

'Now, I’m told Hillary went to confession before tonight’s event, but the priest was having a hard time, when he asked about her sins, and she said she couldn’t remember 39 times.'

'I wasn’t really sure if Hillary was going to be here tonight, because I guess you didn’t send her invitation by email. Or, maybe, you did and she just found out about it through the wonder of WikiLeaks.

The thing is: Clinton followed her opponent, spoke more calmly but still landed a number of bruising hits against her opponent

On Hillary getting debate questions in advance:

'Now some of you haven’t noticed, Hillary isn’t laughing as much as the rest of us. That’s because she knows the jokes. And all of the jokes were given to her in advance of the dinner by Donna Brazile.'

Hillary Clinton:

On her health:

'This is such a special event that I took a break from my rigorous nap schedule to be here.'

'Donald is very worried about my health. He sent a car for me tonight. Actually, it was a hearse'.

'My heart rate is 72 beats per minute, his is the most beats ever, or the least beats ever, whichever sounds best. But Donald really is as healthy as a horse, you know, the one Vladimir Putin rides around on.'

On the divided GOP:

'Every year, this dinner brings together a collection of sensible, committed, mainstream Republicans — or, as we now like to call them — Hillary supporters.

'So tonight, let’s embrace the spirit of the evening. Let’s come together. Remember what unites us and just rip on Ted Cruz'

On her and Wall Street:

'And as you’ve already heard, it’s a treat for all of you too, because usually I charge a lot for speeches like this.'

'It is great, also, to see Mayor Bloomberg here. It’s a shame he’s not speaking tonight. I’m curious to hear what a billionaire has to say.'

On the debates:

'So as I’ve said, we’ve now had our third and, thankfully, final debate. Sharing a stage with Donald Trump is like, well, nothing really comes to mind.

'And looking back, I’ve had to listen to Donald for three full debates. And he says I don’t have any stamina.That is four and a half hours. I have now stood next to Donald Trump longer than any of his campaign manager.

'Your Eminence, you were criticized for inviting both Donald and me here tonight, and you responded by saying “If I only sat down with those who were saints, I’d be taking all my meals alone.”

'Now, just to be clear, I think the Cardinal is saying I’m not eligible for sainthood. But getting through these three debates with Donald has to count as a miracle. '

'So I guess I’m up against the highest, hardest stained-glass ceiling.'

On the Muslim ban:

'And if Donald does win, it will be awkward at the annual President’s Day photo, when all the former presidents gather at the White House, and not just with Bill.How is Barack going to get past the Muslim ban?

On the 'basket of deplorables':

'Now, I’ve got to say, there are a lot of friendly faces here in this room; people that I’ve been privileged to know and to work with. I just want to put you all in a basket of adorables.

On her fashion:

'And you look so good in your tuxes; or, as I refer to them, formal pantsuits.'

On the 'rigged' election:

'You know, come to think of it, it’s amazing I’m up here after Donald. I didn’t think he’d be okay with a peaceful transition of power.

On Mike Pence:

'And, Donald, after listening to your speech, I will also enjoy listening to Mike Pence deny that you ever gave it.

On Trump's interruptions

'And, you know, because this is a friendly dinner for such a great cause; Donald, if at any time, you don’t like what I’m saying feel free to stand up and shout “Wrong!” while I’m talking.'

On the attractiveness of the Statue of Liberty:

'People look at the Statue of Liberty and they see a proud symbol of our history as a nation of immigrants, a beacon of hope for people around the world.

'Donald looks at the Statue of Liberty and sees a four. Maybe a five if she removes the torch and tablet and changes her hair.'

On Rudy Giuliani

'Now, many don’t know this, but Rudy actually got his start as a prosecutor going after wealthy New Yorkers who avoided paying taxes. But, as the saying goes, “If you can’t beat them, go on Fox News and call them a genius.”'

Working the audience: Clinton warmed the crowd with her own run of jokes, taking a less theatrical approach to her comedy than Trump

On Trump's tweets:

Others Clinton gags included: 'Regardless of the outcome, this race will be historic. We'll either have the first female president or the first president who started a Twitter war with Cher.'

On her 'drug use':

'Donald wanted me drug tested before last night's debate. I am so flattered that Donald thought I used some sort of performance enhancer. Now actually, I did. It's called preparation.'

On her sense of humor:

'Now, I’m going to try my best tonight, but I understand I am not known for my sense of humor. That’s why it did take a village to write these jokes.'

'People say — and I hear them, I know — they say I’m boring compared to Donald. But I’m not boring at all. In fact, I’m the life of every party I attend and I’ve been to three.'

'And when the parties get out of hand, as occasionally they do, it’s important to have a responsible chaperone who can get everyone home safely. And that is why I picked Tim Kaine to be my Vice President.'

On Trump and Russia

'Now, you notice there is no teleprompter here tonight, which is probably smart, because maybe you saw Donald dismantle his prompter the other day. And I get that. They’re hard to keep up with, and I’m sure it’s even harder when you’re translating from the original Russian.'

On her relationship with the press:

'And look at this dais — we’ve got Charlie Rose, and Maria Bartiromo, and Chris Matthews, and Gayle King, and Nora O’Donnell, and Katie Couric — this counts as a press conference, right?'

On Kellyanne Conway:

'Now, look, I have deep respect for people like Kellyanne Conway. She’s working day and night for Donald and because she’s a contractor, he’s probably not even going to pay her.

Thirsty work: Trump sucked on a glass of soda while other audience members kept their gaze on the podium where Clinton was speaking

Hey buddy: In a show of his allegiance, former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani approached Trump and Melania after dinner

Conversations: Clinton spoke throughout the meal with Cardinal Dolan while Trump stuck to conversation with his wife

Democrats: New York Mayor Bill de Blasio enjoyed an awkward handshake with Governor Andrew Cuomo after Clinton's description of the pair as 'mortal foes'

'I have no doubt that our guests tonight are up to the task. In fact before the dinner started, Donald went up to Hillary and asked her how she was doing.

'She replied: 'I'm fine. Now get out of the ladies' dressing room.'

He continued with the same theme, boldly including Cardinal Dolan in his next punchline. 'Donald, even though there's a man next to you in a robe. This is not a locker room.'

His comment was in reference to the candidate's earlier dismissal of sexually aggressive remarks he made towards women in 2005. Trump described them as merely 'locker room talk' at the second presidential debate.

The brave joke prompted laughter from both candidates who had earlier avoided one another backstage. Smith is the great grandson of Alfred E. Smith, the former governor of New York who the charity was named after.

He continued after dinner by mocking the many well-heeled guests.

'Mayor de Blasio is here tonight. We'd like to apologize, we couldn't grant you your request to sit to the left of everybody,' he said.

Taking aim at the candidates once again, he poked fun at their relative privilege.

The great and the good: Clinton spoke animatedly to Cardinal Dolan, ignoring Trump as he attempted to squeeze his way past her

Prayer: The pair came face to face just 24 hours after their heated debate. The dinner supports Catholic charities

Holding sway: Clinton averted her gaze as her opponent entered the room, dutifully applauding him alongside other guests

National anthem: All participated in the ceremonies at the start of the event on Thursday

Tell me a good one: Trump was in high spirits at the beginning of the evening, smiling with his wife Melania also seeming to enjoy herself

Almost there: The pair maintained a safe distance until Cardinal Dolan took his seat at the event which raises money for charities linked to the Archdiocese of New York

Stern looks: Cardinal Dolan gave Trump a warm pat on the back as he made his way towards his seat. The Donald, meanwhile, cast a less kind expression to his opponent as she looked away

Warm welcome: Clinton greeted Trump's wife Melania warmly as she entered the room, stopping to exchange pleasantries with the 46-year-old

One moment: Her enthusiasm ended as she made her way past Trump's beaming wife before he entered the room

'It just goes to show that if you were born into immense wealth or if your husband was president, you can accomplish anything.'

Introducing Trump, who spoke first, he said: 'I'm happy to report that no matter how the coin was tossed, our next speaker would say it was rigged.'

Continuing his roast of the candidate, he joked that the church was worried he may not show up.

'We thought you might keep us in suspense,' he said, ridiculing the candidate's claim at the second presidential debate he may not accept the outcome of the election.

In the past, candidates have used the opportunity to jokingly trade blows but also congratulate one another.

Barack Obama and Mitt Romney were both widely praised for their performances in 2012.

Obama lumped himself in with his opponent, mocking the lengthy campaign process as a whole rather than attack him personally.

Daggers: The Democratic candidate was given a cold look from her opponent's wife as she made her way to her seat

In the spotlight: Trump gave his signature thumbs up as he made his way towards his seat, his entrance carefully documented by other guests

'Tomorrow it's back to campaigning. I visit cities and towns across our great country, and I hear the same thing everywhere I go: 'Honestly, we were hoping to see Michelle,'' he said.

And even though we're enjoying ourselves tonight, we're both thinking ahead to our final debate on Monday. I'm hoping that Gov. Romney and I will have a chance to answer the question that is on the minds of millions of Americans watching at home: Is this happening again? Why aren't they putting on 'The Voice?'.

He heaped praise on his opponent, however, commending him for his role as a 'family man and father'.

'Those are two titles that will always matter more than any political ones. So we may have different political perspectives, but I think — in fact, I'm certain — that we share the hope that the next four years will reflect the same decency and the same willingness to come together for a higher purpose that are on display this evening.

'May we all, in the words of Al Smith, do our full duty as citizens,' he said.

Romney returned the compliment. 'It'd be easy to let a healthy competition give way to the personal and the petty but fortunately, we don't carry the burden of disliking one another.

'Our president has had some very fine and gracious moments. Don't tell anyone I said so, but our 44th president has many gifts and a beautiful family that would make any man proud,' he said.

The way we were: Barack Obama and Mitt Romney were both widely praised for their complimentary speeches in 2012 (above)